Properties of high-performance fly ash concrete

Fly ash, a by-product from the coal-burning power generation process, is often used, for its pozzolanic properties and its fineness, to enhance the strength and durability of concrete and high-strength concrete. The quality assurance of fly ash is frequently questioned since its properties tend to vary depending on the source of coal, type of boiler, pulverizing equipment, and the removal efficiency of the air pollution control devices. Since fly ash is commonly used as one of the main components in the development of high-performance concrete, a closer look at the effects of fly ash on the properties of high-performance concrete is critical. In this study, two types of fly ash, dry and wet bottom ashes of different particle size distributions, were used. Physical and chemical properties of these fly ashes were tested and compared with the original feed fly ashes received directly from the utility. The effects of these fly ashes on the strength of concrete were studied when used as 15, 25, 35, and 50 percent cement replacement by weight of cement. The results show that fly ash, when proportioned properly, can enhance the properties of concrete. The chemical composition of fly ash of different particle size distributions varies slightly. For the same type of fly ash, the finer the particle, the higher the specific gravity. The smaller fly ash particle has a faster reactivity rate than the coarser one. The compressive strengths of several selected mixes of fly ash concrete are equal to, or higher than, the control concrete before the age of 28 days. For fly ash with large particle size distribution, the fly ash concrete reaches only 85 percent of the control concrete strength at the age of 180 days. It was also found that fly ash concrete exhibits excellent acid resistance when compared to conventional concrete.